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Things to Do in Nusa Lembongan: Where to Stay, Eat, Drink and Play
From a clifftop infinity pool villa to manta ray snorkelling tours, our guide to the best things to do in Nusa Lembongan covers five nights' worth of island discoveries.
Nusa Lembongan is a small island 30 minutes by fast boat from Bali’s Sanur Beach, and one of the best stops in the region for travellers seeking a slower pace and beautiful, clean beaches. This guide covers the best places to stay, eat, drink and explore across the island: from a private clifftop infinity pool villa above Jungut Batu and a beachfront coffee window that will become part of your daily ritual, to manta ray snorkelling tours to nearby Nusa Penida and a hilltop fine diner worth every dollar.
In this Guide
This was my fourth time visiting Bali, but my first off the mainland, and I was immediately struck by the shift in tension. The sprawling streets of Canggu (arguably Bali’s most popular region) aren’t exactly relaxing: scooters weave between cars with staggering confidence, digital nomads claim ownership of cafes and queues form outside the latest restaurants and beach clubs. In contrast, arriving on Nusa Lembongan felt like a deep exhale. Traffic? Practically non-existent. Crowds? Barely any. In its place, just quiet boardwalks overlooking white-sand coastlines, where rows of surfers paddled out to offshore breaks and small fishing boats floated peacefully in the aqua marine bay.
My partner and I spent five nights here in late May, and despite arriving with zero plans, each day filled with ease. Mornings began in our private infinity pool, watching the rising sun breathe life into the village below — between the sunlit smoke trails and distant rhythmic chantings, it felt borderline spiritual. Then we’d stroll to our favourite coffee spot and plan the day over a Mont Blanc or iced matcha latte. Some days we wandered Jungut Batu on foot, where beaches, restaurants and local shops sat within easy reach. Others, we’d hop on the scooter, passing villagers placing their morning offerings, stopping at warungs for nasi campur, and continuing on to secluded beaches like Devil’s Tears, Dream Beach and Mangrove Beach. Come sunset, we’d be plonked somewhere with a Bintang or fresh coconut in hand, deciding on our final bite of the day. I still dream about the succulent Balinese roast duck (bebek) at Muntigs, one of the island’s most romantic poolside fine diners.
With just five nights, we did feel a little pressure to tick off some of the island’s main attractions, like seeing the manta rays and exploring the neighbouring island of Nusa Ceningan, which can both take at least half a day. Next time, I’d book seven nights to allow for more relaxed, unhurried days. The island rewards those willing to slow down.
Things to Do in Nusa Lembongan: Stay
Aqua Nusa: Villa Jelita
For couples chasing a private island retreat, Villa Jelita by Aqua Nusa is the spot. The newly built one-bedroom villa is perched high above Jungut Batu (the island’s most lively area), offering unobstructed views from your private infinity pool that stretch across the bay towards Mount Agung. With such a picturesque spot to settle poolside, and all the extra comforts you could want (rainfall shower, bathtub, Netflix-ready TV, well-stocked fridge and attentive staff), this villa is best enjoyed with nowhere to rush off to. Some of the most relaxing and memorable moments of our Nusa Lembongan trip were spent here, watching life unfold below between pool dips and book pages.
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Location: Jungut Batu, Nusa Lembongan, Bali
Price Guide: $$$
Best For: Couples, Luxury, Beach, Special occasion, Honeymoon
Need To Know: Aqua Nusa also has 2 and 3 bedroom villas. The hillside location means lots of stairs, but the views are worth it.
Batu Karang Lembongan Resort & Spa
Unlike many of Nusa Lembongan’s boutique villa stays, Batu Karang offers the kind of full-service resort experience that’s surprisingly hard to find on the island. Cascading down the hillside above Jungut Batu, the property is spread across lush tropical gardens dotted with suites, villas, multiple swimming pools, a day spa and one of the island’s most acclaimed restaurants. The elevated position means you’ll still enjoy sweeping ocean views, but it’s the convenience of having everything in one place that makes Batu Karang such a popular choice. If you’re after a stay where you can alternate between spa treatments, long lunches and sunset cocktails without ever leaving the property, this is it.
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Location: Jungut Batu, Nusa Lembongan, Bali
Price Guide: $$$
Best For: Couples, Luxury, Special occasion, Honeymoon
Need To Know: The hillside location means lots of stairs, but the views are worth it.
Castaway
Castaway’s collection of boutique villas and suites are scattered around a palm-fringed pool, with teak furnishings, rattan accents and breezy open-air spaces that feel primed for relaxed barefoot days. Sitting just a short stroll from Mushroom Beach, this resort offers a quieter stay than those in Jungut Batu, without losing access to many of the island’s top restaurants and bars. We particularly love all the little details here, from the welcome drinks and complimentary breakfast to the ferry transfers and private island tour services.
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Location: Mushroom Beach, Nusa Lembongan, Bali
Price Guide: $$
Best For: Couples, Luxury, Beach, Families, Groups
Need To Know: You can connect multiple villas, making it perfect for families and large groups.
Things to Do in Nusa Lembongan: Eat
Dawn by Lago
We stumbled upon Dawn by Lago on a morning walk to Coconut Beach and were instantly drawn in by the cafe’s warm, contemporary design. The smell and sight of the coffee, made with beans sourced ethically from nearby growers on Bali and Java, was another instant green flag. Pair with something from the cooked breakfast menu (available from 6am to 2pm), such as the Balinese Benedict or Chilli Scramble (served on sourdough baked fresh in-house each day), and watch the surfers head out to sea on their morning commute. There’s also a fridge and pie-warmer loaded with grab-and-go bites, including flaky pastries and wholesome salads, wraps and bowls if you’re chasing something light to enjoy down on the beach.
Sitchu Tip: Lago has multiple venues (many of which are featured in this guide), including a cafe, Dawn; bar and restaurant, Dusk; floating bar, Pontoon; and sauna and cold plunge space, Sundeck. They also have six luxury villas located on the hills above Coconut Beach that are ideal for families and large groups.
Location: Coconut Beach, Nusa Lembongan
Price Guide: $$
Cuisine: Cafe, Brunch
Best For: Brunch, Outdoor dining, Waterfront, Quick bite
Need To Know: Breakfast menu available from 6am to 2pm. Coffee and grab-and-go goods available until 6pm.
Dapur Kecil Nusa Lembongan
Dapur Kecil offers a mix of western-inspired brunch plates and Chinese-influenced Indonesian eats, but it’s the build-your-own nasi campur experience you’re here for. Head to the buffet and fill your plate with rice and local toppings like tempe bacem, acar kuning and ayam betutu, all made using fresh market ingredients from local farmers. Everything is labelled in English and clearly explains what’s in each dish (including what’s vegan and vegetarian), so ordering is a breeze.
Location: Jungut Batu, Nusa Lembongan
Price Guide: $
Cuisine: Indonesian
Best For: Solo dining, Budget-friendly, Food lovers, Locals
Need To Know: All dishes labelled in English with dietary information included. Walk-ins welcome.
Thai Pantry
A relaxed boardwalk restaurant overlooking the water, Thai Pantry is a great spot for lunch or dinner with breathtaking views of local fishing boats floating just offshore from Jungut Batu. We dined here twice during our stay and thoroughly enjoyed the fiery and fragrant Thai eats, including the tender slow-cooked beef massaman curry and the perfectly charred stir-fried pad si ew. Thirsty? Check out their creative Thai-inspired cocktails, each shaken and poured out of their kombi van bar on the deck.
Sitchu Tip: Happy Hour runs from 3.30pm to 5.30pm daily, offering 20% off selected cocktails and wines by the glass. Throw on a few little shares like spring rolls or pork satay sticks, and you have all you need for the perfect sundowner.
Location: Jungut Batu, Nusa Lembongan
Price Guide: $$
Cuisine: Thai
Best For: Date night, Outdoor dining, Waterfront, Long lunch
Need To Know: Walk-ins welcome. Bookings recommended, especially for dinner.
Muntigs Bar & Restaurant
For a romantic candle-lit dining experience, book dinner at Muntigs Bar & Restaurant: a poolside fine diner led by a skilled Balinese culinary team. Its menu covers a mix of International and local flavours, but I’d encourage you to lean into your surroundings and go for something Balinese. The chicken satay is one of their most popular dishes for good reason, served on its own smoking charcoal grill, alongside house pickles, creamy satay sauce and steamed rice. And the bebek (duck) was hands down the highlight of our entire trip: crispy skin, succulent meat, zesty salad and a spicy sambal that you can never get enough of. The entire experience is very much worth the splurge.
Location: Jungut Batu, Nusa Lembongan
Price Guide: $$$
Cuisine: Modern Indonesian, International
Best For: Date night, Special occasion, Outdoor dining
Need To Know: Walk-ins welcome. Bookings recommended, especially for dinner.
Things to Do in Nusa Lembongan: Drink
Cobra Beach Coffee
A takeaway window on the beach serving some of the island’s best coffee, Cobra Beach Coffee quickly became part of our daily ritual. There’s good espresso for flat white and cappuccino loyalists, plus cold brew, matchas, smoothies and more for anyone who fancies a specialty sip, all made by friendly baristas who remember your face each time you pop by. The Mont Blanc, made with iced cold brew, cream, nutmeg and orange zest, was my morning go-to, while their Coconut Pandan Cloud (iced coconut water topped with pandan cream) served as the ideal afternoon sweet treat.
Location: Jungut Batu, Nusa Lembongan
Price Guide: $
Cuisine: Coffee bar
Best For: Coffee lovers, Budget-friendly, Waterfront
Need To Know: Walk-up window on the beach. Limited seating — order and enjoy beachside.
Ohana’s
Few places attract crowds in Nusa Lembongan quite like Ohana’s, making it a standout choice when you’re chasing a little more of a lively atmosphere. The beach club stretches from its rooftop bar, across two pools and right out onto the sand, with endless spots to relax and enjoy a sip and snack between swims. There’s also a playground for kids, as well as a pool table and TV screening sports, so the whole family can settle here without any dramas.
Location: Jungut Batu, Nusa Lembongan
Price Guide: $$
Cuisine: Beach club
Best For: Cocktail lovers, Waterfront, Groups, Nightlife
Need To Know: Stick around for sunset DJs from 5.30pm and beachside bonfires with marshmallows each evening.
The Deck
Perched above the water, The Deck combines boardwalk beauty with tropical cocktails and a bustling golden hour energy that spills out over multiple decks. Arrive an hour before sunset, grab a front-row seat overlooking the bay and start working through the drinks list. Trust me, the frozen mango daiquiri is just what your soul needs after a day in the sun.
Location: Nusa Lembongan
Price Guide: $$
Cuisine: Cocktail bar, Share plates
Best For: Date night, Outdoor dining, Waterfront, Groups
Need To Know: Walk-ins welcome. Bookings recommended.
Mahana Point
Located on neighbouring Nusa Ceningan, Mahana Point attracts thrill-seeking crowds keen to dive headfirst from the clifftop bar into the deep blue waves below. The easiest way to get here is by scooter, across the Yellow Bridge, which takes about 15-20 minutes from the main strip of Nusa Lembongan. For those bold enough to take the leap, there are five and ten-meter diving boards to choose from, and a ladder to get you back up the rocky outcrop safely. Prefer to just soak up the atmosphere? Mahana Point offers dramatic scenes of waves crashing against the cliffs, and a pretty hectic surf break too, so it’s a great spot for a sunset drink.
Location: Nusa Ceningan
Price Guide: $
Cuisine: Local warung and bar
Best For: Outdoor dining, Waterfront, Groups, Nightlife
Need To Know: Cliff jumping comes at an additional cost, even if you are eating and drinking at the bar. It shouldn’t cost much more than $5 AUD.
Dusk by Lago
For a more laidback sunset drink, we loved Dusk by Lago. The design-led bar and restaurant is located directly above Lago’s cafe, Dawn, on Coconut Beach, offering up an idyllic sundown atmosphere without feeling too crowded or touristy. Grab a seat beneath the banyan trees right down on the beach or head upstairs to the deck and soak up the island energy: kids splashing in the water, surfers dissecting the day’s adventures, and couples cosied up on the sand. A tiny beach bar with Aperol Spritzes on tap keeps the vacay vibes flowing, while elevated share plates like coconut ceviche made with fresh fish brought in each morning and smashed cucumber salad topped with crispy chilli keep you satiated well past sunset.
Location: Coconut Beach, Nusa Lembongan
Price Guide: $$
Cuisine: Cocktail bar, Wine bar
Best For: Date night, Outdoor dining, Waterfront, Groups, Weekend plans
Need To Know: The beachfront bar area accepts orders from both Dawn and Dusk menus. Walk-ins only. Arrive before sunset to secure a seat.
Sandy Bay Beach Club
If you’re chasing a long, lazy afternoon in Nusa Lembongan, Sandy Bay Beach Club is hard to beat. Perched above the rugged coastline near Devil’s Tear, it’s the sort of spot where you’ll settle in for lunch and somehow still have your feet in the sand come sunset. Expect a relaxed poolside setting, ocean views in every direction and an all-day menu designed for lingering over (think fresh ceviche, zesty tacos and woodfired pizza). Arrive before golden hour and settle in for happy hour drinks from 3pm to 5pm before the sun sinks into the horizon and the whole bay glows.
Location: Sandy Bay, Nusa Lembongan
Price Guide: $$
Cuisine: Beach club
Best For: Date night, Outdoor dining, Waterfront, Groups, Weekend plans
Need To Know: There’s now a playground and kids pool, making it great for the whole family.
Things to Do in Nusa Lembongan: Play
Day Trip to Nusa Ceningan
If you’re confident on a scooter, make the most of it by crossing the famous Yellow Bridge to neighbouring Nusa Ceningan. The island is even quieter, less developed and packed with rugged coastal scenery that rewards exploration. Spend a few hours beach hopping, stopping at local cafes and lookouts, and uncovering the island before settling in for lunch overlooking the water. Just finding your way and seeing local village life unfold is part of the appeal.
Where: Nusa Ceningan (via Yellow Bridge, Nusa Lembongan)
Cost: Free to explore. Scooter hire and food & drink additional.
Best For: Adventure, Couples, Solo, Nature lovers, Outdoor activities
Need To Know: Roads are less developed, and the many potholes and gravel roads make navigating the island more difficult. Confidence on a scooter recommended.
Snorkel with Manta Rays
Anyone who’s done it will tell you, snorkelling with manta rays should be number one on your list of things to do in Nusa Lembongan. Most operators run half-day snorkelling tours departing Nusa Lembongan in the morning, stopping at a few popular sites around nearby Nusa Penida like Manta Point (where you’re most likely to catch giant mantas year-round), before dropping you back at Nusa Lembongan in time for lunch. While manta sightings are never guaranteed, the chances are pretty high, and the reefs themselves warrant the effort, with schools of tropical fish to check out.
Sitchu Tip: Depending on the day’s conditions, swimming in the open ocean can be choppy and challenging, especially when there are lots of tour boats all battling for spots. To avoid any panic, pay special attention to safety measures before choosing your tour operator: life jackets, safety ropes, emergency equipment, reliable gear, in-water guides and small groups or private tours are your best bet. Operators such as Island Time Bali, Captain Januru and Ceningan Paradise Tours are popular choices. Otherwise, just ask your accommodation host for suggestions.
Where: Departing Nusa Lembongan
Cost: Group day trips usually range between $20 to $40 AUD.
Best For: Adventure, Couples, Families, Nature lovers, Unique experiences
Need To Know: Bookings essential.
Sundeck by Lago: Sauna & Cold Plunge
Sundeck by Lago combines a traditional sauna, cold plunge pool and comfortable sun lounges in one incredibly scenic clifftop setting. We spent a couple of hours alternating between heat, ice and ocean views, emerging noticeably more relaxed than when we arrived. Bookings can be made online or downstairs at Lago’s other venues.
Where: Sundeck by Lago, Coconut Beach, Nusa Lembongan
Cost: $$
Best For: Wellness, Couples, Solo, Special occasion, Stress relief
Need To Know: Bookings available online or in person at Lago’s venues downstairs.
Spring Spa
After a few days exploring, Spring Spa felt like the full-body reset we needed. Behind the spa’s luxury reception pavilion lies eight private thatched-roof therapy rooms with azure ocean views as serene as the treatments themselves. We booked in for side-by-side signature massages, and both drifted off to sleep at some point during the heavenly 60-minute experience. My only regret was not booking in for a massage every day.
Where: Spring Spa, Nusa Lembongan
Cost: $$$
Best For: Self-care, Couples, Wellness, Special occasion, Stress relief
Need To Know: Bookings essential.
Jungle Padel
For a break from beach hopping, head to Jungle Padel. Home to eye-catching pink courts framed by palms, it’s one of Nusa Lembongan’s newest additions and a fun way to spend a morning or late afternoon. Whether you’re a seasoned player or giving padel a go for the first time, the relaxed atmosphere makes it easy to join a game (no partner required) before settling in with a coffee or cold drink at the on-site cafe afterwards. There’s also a sauna and wellness centre to fuel your recovery too.
Where: Jungle Padel, Nusa Lembongan
Cost: $
Best For: Families, Couples, Wellness, Outdoor activities
Need To Know: Walk-ins welcome. Bookings recommended via the app.
Getting There & Getting Around
Getting to Nusa Lembongan is surprisingly easy. Fast boats depart regularly from Sanur Beach in Bali, with the crossing taking around 30 minutes in good conditions. We travelled with Rocky Fast Cruise, but several operators service the route each day. Tickets can be booked online ahead of time or purchased at the harbour, though it’s worth securing your spot in advance during peak periods. Many hotels, resorts and villas can also organise transfers, often including pick-up and drop-off on both sides of the crossing.
Once you’ve arrived, hiring a scooter is by far the easiest way to explore. Nusa Lembongan is relatively small, but the distances between beaches, restaurants and the Yellow Bridge are enough that walking quickly becomes impractical, particularly in the heat. Scooters are readily available near the main arrival points and are what most visitors use to get around.
That said, the roads are narrower and rougher than you might expect, with potholes and uneven surfaces fairly common. Traffic is nowhere near as hectic as mainland Bali, but you’ll still want to be a confident rider before setting off on your own. If two wheels aren’t your thing, golf buggies are also available to hire and are a popular option for families.
One final tip: bring cash. While many hotels, restaurants and larger businesses accept cards, plenty of smaller vendors still operate on a cash-only basis. There are ATMs on the island, but they can occasionally run low during busy periods, so it’s worth arriving with enough Indonesian rupiah to cover day-to-day expenses.
FAQs About Travelling to Nusa Lembongan
The most straightforward way to reach Nusa Lembongan is by fast boat from Sanur Beach in Bali, with the crossing taking approximately 30 minutes in good conditions. Several operators run daily departures throughout the morning (we went with Rocky Ferries), and tickets can be booked online in advance or directly at the Sanur harbour on the day. Most accommodation providers can organise ferry transfers for you too, which takes a lot of the guesswork out. Boats arrive at either Jungut Batu or Mushroom Bay, the island’s two main landing points. It is worth booking a reputable operator with good safety reviews, particularly during the wet season from November to March when conditions can be rougher.
A scooter makes getting around Nusa Lembongan significantly easier, and most visitors hire one for the duration of their stay. The island is small enough to cover in a day, but the roads connecting beaches, restaurants and the Yellow Bridge to Nusa Ceningan are not easily walkable in the heat. Scooters are widely available to hire near the main landing areas for a modest daily rate, and no international licence is typically required, though conditions vary. While traffic is much less congested than Bali’s mainland areas, they are narrow and less developed (pot holes are quite common), so confident riding is important if you plan to self-navigate. You can also hire buggies, which can be a great option if you’re not confident on two wheels or have kids riding with you. While there aren’t really many cars on the island, many guesthouses and resorts can arrange other local transport if you need it.
The dry season, running from approximately April to October, is generally the best time to visit Nusa Lembongan. Conditions during this period are calmer, visibility for snorkelling is typically at its best, and fast boat transfers from Bali operate more reliably. July and August are peak season, so accommodation books out quickly and prices are higher. The wet season from November to March brings heavier rainfall and occasional rough seas, but the island is noticeably quieter, rates drop considerably, and the lush landscape is at its greenest. Manta ray sightings are possible year-round.
Nusa Lembongan works well for families, particularly those with older children who are comfortable in the water. The island is calm, safe and easy to navigate, and several of its best venues cater specifically to families. Ohana’s beach club is one of the most family-friendly spots on the island, with two pools, a playground, sports screens and beachside bonfires each evening. Castaway resort near Mushroom Beach is a strong accommodation option for families, with complimentary breakfast and ferry transfers included. Snorkelling tours can also be booked for children, with operators offering small group and private options.
Five nights is a comfortable amount of time to experience Nusa Lembongan without feeling too rushed, allowing for a day trip to Nusa Ceningan, at least one snorkelling or diving excursion to Nusa Penida, and the slower pace that makes the island worth visiting in the first place. If you plan to combine Lembongan with a day trip to Nusa Penida, or want to spend time genuinely doing very little, seven nights or more is easy to fill. Three nights is workable as a minimum but leaves little room for the unhurried exploration the island rewards.
Nusa Lembongan runs on a cash economy for many of its smaller vendors, so arriving with Indonesian rupiah is strongly recommended. ATMs are available on the island but can run out of cash during peak season. Plastic bags and single-use plastics are discouraged across much of the island, and many venues actively support local conservation efforts, so bringing a reusable bag and water bottle is worth doing. The island’s roads are narrow and can be busy with scooters, so confident riding is important if you plan to self-navigate. Respectful dress is expected when visiting any local temples or villages.
If you’re chasing more laidback beach holidays like this, there are plenty of options closer to home. Look to luxury accommodation in Noosa or these stunning Queensland islands.
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